Just my 2 cents worth but they are excellent in their military configuration. Nice ones are getting harder to find. And, though tons of sporters have been built from the 96 action, I would opt for a 98 instead. I like the built in safety features that the 98 has over the 96. That said, a chambering operating at the pressure levels of the 6.5x55 would not be a bad choice.
I don't think I would buy a Swede M38 with all matching numbers for the purpose of making a "Sporter" out of it. Not many of them left at reasonable prices, and the 98 action does better handle gas that gets loose.
On the other hand, they make a great shooting rifle just as they are. Or with a reversable modification to put a "Scout" type scope mount in place of the rear sight leaf. Then you get a great shooting rifle with a scope. And you can return the rifle to military configuration when it's time to sell (worth more money that way). JMHO
Just an opinion LDave - if you cut up an all matching M38 Swede, I will hunt you down and personally kick your ass...LOL of course, That being said, the M-38 is a decent firearm, but by the time you buy one (non-matching numbers only of course) and "sporterize" it you will have spent over $500... for that money you can buy an M-70 Winchester in the same caliber which will stand higher chamber pressures - also Remington made a commemorative model 700 in 6.5X55 in 1994. PLEASE DO NOT CUT UP AN ALL MATCHING M-38 SWEDE!!! Even an M-96 for that matter, the old swedes are MUCH more valuable in original condition and deserve to kept original.
Posts: 258 | Location: Houston, Texas, USA | Registered: 18 March 2002
OK ERIC, I HEARD YOU THE FIRST TIME!!! (must be that crazy Houston traffic getting to ya!)
Naw, I found one with mismatched numbers for under $200 looks to be in decent shape, but I will probably just get my .243 ruger re-done to the 6.5 or 257 roberts.
I'm sure you guys know that but you have to be careful that you are getting a "real" m38 and not an m96 that has been modified as an m38. I can't remember when or why but at some point in history they modified a bunch of m96 down to 24".
I saw a documentary that showed Inuit hunters using M38s on the ice. They just stuck the gun in the bindings on their sled (towed by the snowmobile) and carted it around that way. Showed one taking a shot at about 100-150 yards (so it seemed, the camera angle can be decieving) with the issue sights. Next was an "aw shucks" scene. He hit the seal but not a killing shot and it escaped down the air hole. Guy seemed to have a lot of confidence in his gun. Don't know what kind of ammo he was using.
I got a bubbaized M96 and installed a Williams Foolproof. Great gun but I'd like to turn down the bolt. The straight bolt is fast but it does have a certain lack of convenience sometimes.
I agree that one shouldn't get a matching M38 to sporterize. It just isn't cost effective. Kimber did up a bunch in synthetic stocks. Around here they go for about $200-300 depending on the scope. Great basis there.
Posts: 2324 | Location: Staunton, VA | Registered: 05 September 2002
I agree don't cut up a swede as much as these are commanding these days heck I wouldn't even recommend cutting up a mix master. Why not look for a 98/22 or vz 24 mauser I got my 98/22 for 60$ a few months back, It has no pitting under the woodline which if possible is the thing to look for. I must admit I have a C&R licence but you should be able to find these under 1 bill easy. If you are looking for something you can utilize more military stuff on samco has or had 98/29 persian mauser barreled actions for like 179$ these prolly have a decent bore, throw one in a sporter stock bend the bolt and whola depending on how much work you wanna do.
Posts: 1755 | Location: slc Ut | Registered: 22 December 2002
Just a reply about "real" M38's. The Swedes shortened a bunch of M96's once they figured that the extra length wasn't needed. There is nothing wrong with these rifles, and after 38 they were built to length, and the Husqvarna-built rifles do carry a premium today on the collector market.
Eric
Posts: 38 | Location: Lake Tahoe, NV | Registered: 29 June 2004
